QSL Side Al Rayyan will be targeting their first win of the Michael Laudrup era when they take on Al Kharitiyat today evening at Al Sadd stadium.
Opening up the press conference ahead of the match, the Danish coach stressed that this is a must win match for his side.
“After the first two games, I have been satisfied with the performance of the team. It’s important that we win this game. The main focus is to win, and we have to keep up with the three other sides at the top of the league.“
Reflecting on the title race the Laudrup is expecting a challenge for his side to retain the QSL falcon shield. “Of course last season, Al Rayyan went on a winning run of ten games, which was fantastic. I think this season the race for the title will be much tighter.
“It was a great and very important goal for the side. We played very well and put Jaish under pressure, going into extra time 1-0 you get nervous but we did well to get a result” noted Laudrup when asked about Sergio Garcia’s last gasp strike against Jaish in round four.
Al Rayyan have created plenty of chances in their opening two games under Laudrup, but the Danish coach is hoping his side can be more clinical in front of goal in their next game.
“Against Sailiya we created chances, yet didn’t put them away, while against Jaish we played against a top side and created many chances. We have to be a little more effective in front of goal and that will start against Al Kharitiyat.”
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa takes on Al Sadd today in what promises to be a fascinating clash between two old QSL rivals.
Al Sadd come into the match with ten points from four games and head coach Jesualdo Ferriera was not taking things lightly.
“Al Gharafa are a strong team, despite the results they have had. They have played well, and their performances have not reciprocated the result. They have good players and are organised in defence,” said Ferreira.
Looking back on previous match ups against the Cheetahs, Ferriera is targeting a composed performance from his team. “For this game, it’s difficult. We have played them twice we won game in the emir cup and didn’t win easily. The only way to win this match is to play without any mistakes; we need to play like we have in our previous games.”
Ferriera ended his press conference on a lighter note, praising his opposite number at Al Gharafa, Pedro Caixinia.
“Caixinia is a good coach, who started after me. He came from a good coaching background and is one of the graduates from the same of school of me and is an exciting coach. He is part of many good Portuguese coaches who work in Qatar at the moment, and I wish him well for this season, just not this game.”
Michael Laudrup
